Cassie snapped her fingers. “That’s the one. He’s so pretty, I wonder he’s not having to beat the ladies off with a stick.”
“Is this really what y’all discuss around here?” Ethan’s voice cut through the chatter.
Miranda couldn’t stop the automatic grin as she turned toward him. “Oh, we bet on it, too. Omar keeps the official pool up at Dinner Belles.”
“I heard something about that. Autumn Hamilton’s reigning champion for picking pairings, I understand.”
“She is.” Miranda confirmed, then squealed in surprise as Ethan simply plucked her off her feet and kissed her until her brain fuzzed over with lust.
When he dropped her back on her feet with a satisfied smile, she was grateful he didn’t let go because her legs had turned to jelly. “So we’re that couple now?” He hadn’t struck her as a PDA kind of guy.
Ethan bent to her ear. “Considering word of our exploits has already spread far and wide, I didn’t see the point in further discretion.”
“Fair point. In that case—” She hauled him in, fastening her mouth to his in a claiming kiss—on the off chance somebody had missed the first one. “How was your day?”
His chest vibrated with a hum of pleasure. “Better now.”
“Glad to hear it. What took you so long? I figured you’d be here more than an hour ago.” Miranda dropped her voice. “Did something go wrong at the arraignment?”
“No. That went about as well as can be expected. Johnny’s been remanded into his mother’s custody until a further evidentiary hearing. I took him by the house to pick up his stuff and then drove him out to Monarch House myself.”
“Then why don’t you look pleased?”
He scrubbed a hand over his hair. “Because Harley made bail.”
“He what? When?”
“Got out this morning. Since I was in court, I didn’t get the message until lunch.”
“How did he afford fifteen grand in bail?”
“Hell if I know. But I’ve got an officer keeping tabs on him. His public defender should have put the fear of God into him.” Though he said it casually, Miranda understood that if the attorney hadn’t managed it, Ethan would be more than happy to finish the job.
“Well, now that our requisite tall guy is here, let’s get started suspending the lights.” Norah’s voice cut through the chatter, effectively putting an end to the discussion. “Ladies, if you want to keep working on that balloon arch?”
As was usually the case when Norah gave an order, everybody leapt into action. As soon as Miranda came over to help with the balloon arch, Delaney handed over the end. “I’m sorry. I have to go.”
The girl’s expression was pinched, and she was a little pale.
“Honey, are you okay?” Miranda started to reach toward her, but Delaney simply backed away.
“I’m fine. I’ll see you at work tomorrow.”
Frowning, Miranda watched as she went, trying to decide if she was upset or ill or if, perhaps, she’d missed her meds. She’d seemed fine just a few minutes ago. Then again, Miranda’s focus had been on Ethan. She sure hoped Delaney wasn’t getting struck down by a strep infection. They were short-handed enough at the clinic.
After another hour and a half, Miranda was forced to concede that Norah was right. The lights were beautiful. Chinese red paper lanterns hung at intervals along the strands, adding a nice flair to the look. Matching balloons made fun arches over both entries and reminded her of the prom she’d attended with Clay all those years ago. The stage had already been set up at one end of the gym. Tables had been placed along the perimeter of the space, draped with white tablecloths and still awaiting the centerpieces, but overall, it was coming along.
She and Ethan were among the last to leave.
“Are you walking me to my car because you’re worried about me walking around in our bustling metropolis after dark or because you’re hoping to wrangle an invite to come over?”
“Can’t it be both?” He brought the hand he held to his lips. “I missed you today.”
They’d both had crazy schedules the past week. And yet somehow, no matter how busy they’d been, he’d made it a point to find his way back into her bed every night. She’d made it a point to keep him there until morning.
It wasn’t sustainable. Miranda really needed some sleep. Tomorrow would be an early day, with appointments booked solid until early afternoon, when she was cutting out to get a much needed haircut for the Valentine’s Dance. But she knew she wouldn’t say no. She didn’t think she’d ever say no to him.
“Well, as you’re a responsible public servant, it’s only right that you see me home. Just to make sure I get there all safe and sound.” She punctuated the statement with a flirty smile.
“I am the epitome of responsibility.” To demonstrate, he leaned in to fasten her seatbelt himself, pausing for a lingering kiss while he was at it.
“I do find that unwavering sense of duty incredibly sexy.”
“Good. I’ll be right behind you.” On that, he shut her into the car.
Blowing out a breath, Miranda fought to focus for the drive home. It wouldn’t do to be pulled over for driving under the influence of lust. Grinning at the thought, she pulled out of the parking lot.
She’d barely made it two blocks before sirens split the night. A fire engine came around the corner, lights flashing, gaining speed. Miranda pulled her car off to the side of the road, allowing it to pass. The sight got her blood pumping the same way it did when a new case hit the ED. As it flew by, she wondered where they were headed and whether it was a fire or medical call. Either way, she sent up a quick prayer it wasn’t serious.
The engine turned north, and she began sifting through everyone she knew on that side of town as she trailed somewhat behind.
Not my business.
But as the engine took yet another turn in the direction of her own neighborhood, she found herself picking up speed. Maybe she’d just do a drive by, in case it was a medical call. She could help.
As the fire engine turned onto her street, Miranda gave up even pretending to watch the speed limit. She had several elderly neighbors. Was it Miss Betty? Mr. or Mrs. Gifford? Her brain raced through all their known medical conditions, then stalled out entirely as she made the corner and saw firemen spilling out of the vehicle, leaping into motion.
In front of her own house.
Miranda was already sprinting for the house when Ethan screeched to a stop. He threw open the door and raced after her, catching her before she reached the porch.
She kicked and bucked in his grasp. “Let me go! That’s my house that’s on fire!”
He only tightened his hold. “No. Stop and look. They’re going around back.”
She stopped struggling and followed his gaze to where the firefighters were hauling hose into the backyard. He could smell the acrid tinge of smoke on the air, hear the shouts of the men as they coordinated. Even as they stood, more volunteer firefighters pulled up at the curb, tugging on turnout coats and pants before throwing themselves in to help.
“Get another line going. Wet down the deck and roof so it doesn’t spread to the house!”